Page 26 of Bitter Lies

She winks and then glances at Lawrence, who’s standing on the sidewalk waiting. “That’s a wide window you’re giving me. You be careful too. I see that twinkle in your eyes. I’ll call you tomorrow, and you can fill me in on the rest.”

“Deal.” Lowering myself, I can now see Lawrence. “Remember, I’m an expert with a scalpel and not afraid to use it. I’m trusting you with her. Don’t disappoint me.”

With an arm around her waist, he waves. “I wouldn’t dream of it. Goodnight.”

As soon as they disappear into her building, we’re moving again.

Sasha turns around once more. “I know you don’t want to hear this.”

“But you’re going to say it anyway.” I blink, already bored with where this is going.

She nods. “If he contacts you, don’t be afraid to confront him. Ask him things you know and see if he lies. If he does, draw your own conclusion. Good men don’t lie.”

Her eyes narrow, leaving no doubt about her position. “You’ve always been an excellent judge of character. What’s your gut telling you?”

I shrug. “It’s not my gut doing most of the talking.”

The expression on Sasha’s face is priceless. “Well then, maybe try not to let that part of your anatomy talk you into doing something you’ll regret.”

With a nod, I raise the partition, cutting off this conversation to allow myself some privacy.

Silence settles in, but my mind doesn’t follow. Everything feels tangled.

Is this why Aiden stayed away? And if it is… why come back tonight?

He could have walked away. He should have.

With my head resting on the cool glass, I close my eyes and drift back to the moment he dragged me into that hidden hallway.

It felt dangerous… and I wanted more.

Had that damn fire alarm not gone off, I’d have begged him to take me somewhere. I wouldn’t have alerted my security. Just walked away without a second thought. Left with him and reveled in the adventure.

A low hum pulsates through my dress. It’s my phone.

I fish it out, expecting to see a text from Trinity. The screen glows faintly in the dim light.

It’s not.

It’s an unknown number, and I know immediately who it is.

UNKNOWN:

Next time, there will be no escaping.

ME:

Will there be a next time?

Time will tell. I’m just warning you that if there is, you know what to expect.

Noted.

I take a moment to add his number to my contacts, so I don’t lose it, watching the dots bounce.

The rules of whatever this is have changed.

My heart races, anticipation fluttering low in my belly as I wait to see what that means.